September 2026 (published: 15.09.2026)
Number 3(66)
UDC 339.5:004.7
DOI 10.17586/2310-1172-2026-19-3-122-130
The PRC’s state policy in the field of managing the digital transformation
of national and cross‑border trade
Reference for citation: Khakimova G.R., Taul E.I., Medvedev G.N. The PRC’s state policy in the field of managing the digital transformation of national and cross‑border trade. Scientific journal NRU ITMO. Series «Economics and Environmental Management». 2026. № 3. Р. 122-130. DOI: 10.17586/2310-1172-2026-19-3-122-130.
Abstract. The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of the transformation processes of digital trade in the People's Republic of China and its gradual integration into the country's foreign economic strategy over the period 2015–2024. The analysis is based on an evolutionary approach, which makes it possible to trace the successive formation of the regulatory framework. In particular, the article examines key legislative acts – the Cybersecurity Law (2017), the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL, 2021) and the Data Security Law (DSL, 2021). These documents have established fundamental principles for regulating the digital sphere, including the priority of digital sovereignty, mandatory data localisation, and enhanced state control over cross-border information flows. Considerable attention is paid to government initiatives aimed at stimulating the digital transformation of the economy. These include the provisions of the 14th Five Year Plan (2021–2025), the Digital China programme (2025–2030), the artificial intelligence development strategy involving significant investments (up to 1 trillion yuan), and the Digital Silk Road project. The statistical data presented in the study demonstrate positive dynamics: the share of the digital economy in China's GDP increased from 38% in 2020 to 42.8% in 2024, while the volume of cross border e commerce reached 2.71 trillion yuan. These figures essentially confirm the sustainability of the chosen course and its economic effectiveness. The article provides a comparative analysis of the Chinese model of digital trade regulation with the approaches of other major economic centres. The American model is characterised by a more liberal regime and a focus on the free movement of data, while the European Union emphasises the protection of individual rights, as reflected in the GDPR. It is revealed that differences between these models lead to fragmentation of the international regulatory space, increased transaction costs for companies, and the creation of additional non tariff barriers. Possible ways to reduce the resulting contradictions include the development of multi level agreements that provide for the differentiation of data according to its degree of criticality. Such an approach allows national security requirements to be taken into account without blocking the development of cross border digital trade. The possibility of introducing mechanisms for mutual recognition of certification of digital products and services within regional integration blocs such as RCEP and CPTPP is also considered. Overall, it is concluded that digital trade is gradually becoming one of the key instruments of China's geo economic influence. At the same time, its further development will largely depend on the ability of the international community to develop coherent and relatively universal rules for regulating cross border data flows.
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Keywords: digital trade, cross-border data flows, China, digital sovereignty, Digital Silk Road, 14th Five-Year Plan, protectionism, harmonization.
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